Distinct variety of Streptocarpus named Kathi

ABSTRACT

A new variety of Streptocarpus is characterized by its tight distinct bouquet, small flowers and large number of flowers.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW PLANT

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofStreptocarpus × hybridus known by the varietal name of Kathi. The newcultivar was developed in a breeding program and is a cross of thevarieties Mary (pollen parent) and Gloria Hellrosa (seed parent). Thenew cultivar is distinguished from its parentage by its new color andbig yellow throat area. It is similar to its parentage in that it haswell developed flowers and big leaves.

The new cultivar can also be compared with the Streptocarpus known bythe varietal name Marna (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,524). The new cultivarhas less foliage and lays flatter than Marna. In addition, the flowerstems raise into a tight distinct bouquet with more flowers and smallerflowers as compared to Marna.

The new cultivar was discovered through a breeding program in 1979 inHedingen, Switzerland; was first asexually reproduced by cuttings inHedingen, Switzerland; and has been repeatedly asexually reproduced bycuttings at Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa. It has beenfound to retain its distinctive characteristics through successivepropagations.

The new cultivar, when grown in a greenhouse in Connellsville, Pa., hasa response time of eight weeks. This response time is measured from aplantlet which is a well rooted young plant in a five centimeter pot toa flowering plant in a fifteen centimeter pot.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing illustrates the new cultivar, the color beingas nearly true as possible with color illustrations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of thenew cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics werecollected from asexual reproductions carried out by the Oglevee FloralCompany in Connellsville, Pa. The plant history was taken on eight weekplants blossomed under natural light in a greenhouse and color readingswere taken outdoors using natural sunlight. Color references areprimarily to the R.H.S. color chart of The Royal Horticultural Societyof London. Some color reference is to Exotica III and such reference isduly noted.

Botanical classification: Gesneriaceae (family); Streptocarpus ×hybridus (genus × species).

Flower:

Fully expanded.--5.5 centimeters.

Borne.--In clusters of two to seven flowers per flower stalk above thefoliage. Flower stalks arise close together and initiate at base ofleaf.

Stems.--Single, long and pubescent.

Form.--Funnel formed in an umbel.

Permanence.--Long lasting 21 to 25 days.

Color:

Tonality from a distance.--Grape violet with mimosa throat (ExoticaIII).

Front of petals.--Young flowers Fan 2 Violet Group 88-A, older flowersFan 2 Blue Group 89-C. Dark veining Fan 2 Red Purple Group 89-A.

Throat.--Fan 1 Yellow Group 3-C, some of the veining from petals extendinto throat.

Reverse of petals.--Fan 2 Red Purple Group 88-C.

Discoloration.--Older blooms tend to include more blue.

Petals:

Texture.--Velvet.

Appearance.--Individually lobed and slightly cuneate.

Arrangement.--Regularly united into an elliptical form.

Persistence.--Lives for 21 to 25 days and remains on plant in dry formuntil picked.

Fragrance.--None.

Reproductive organs:

Anthers.--Two per flower and interconnected.

Filament.--0.6 Centimeter and attaches to petal about 3 centimeters upfrom base.

Pollen.--Generally nonfertile.

Style.--Has a purplish cast and extends 0.7 centimeter from tip of ovaryto a flattened stigma.

Ovaries.--Includes purple streaks, long and narrow and 1 centimeter longand 1.5 millimeter in diameter.

Plant:

Form.--Leaves rosette from a crown at the soil line.

Growth.--A spreading, free flowing habit.

Height from soil line.--20 to 23 centimeters.

Spread.--35 to 45 centimeters.

Foliage:

Top side.--Fan 3 Green Group 137-B.

Under side.--Fan 4 Greyed Green Group 193-B.

Size.--15 to 30 centimeters long and 4 to 8 centimeters wide at thewidest point.

Quantity.--5 to 7 leaves.

Shape.--Oblanceolate.

Ribs and veins.--Pinnate.

Rib and vein color.--Fan 3 Green Group 139-D.

Margin.--Cuneate.

Leaf tips.--Obtuse.

Leaf base.--Attenuate.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of Streptocarpus substantially as herein shown and described. 